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Source: USA Rugby
Summary
USA Rugby announced a new “open” gender division to accommodate trans athletes, allowing any athlete to compete regardless of gender assigned at birth and gender identity. The organization’s policy allows athletes to select their gender when registering, with potential vetting by officials.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
USA Rugby’s new policy is a reaction to Trump’s executive order and the USOPC’s requirement for governing bodies to comply.
The organization’s policy seems to allow athletes to simply select their gender when registering, with potential vetting by officials.
This one felt recognizable early, with the USOPC’s update to its athlete safety policy in July and Trump’s push for mandatory genetic testing of athletes.
The result wasn’t surprising by the end, with the USOPC exploring options to employ sex testing for its own teams.
This policy reframes the game or situation in a way fans instantly recognize: Any athlete can now compete in USA Rugby events, regardless of gender assigned at birth and gender identity, creating a new dynamic in the sport.
Author: Evan Null
